Most of the TS line had an air-cooled engine and most models were introduced alongside the closely related TM (Motocross) or TC (trail) models, TF (farm) and also the DS (for Dirt Sport, which had no turn signals, and simplified lighting) which in most cases shared engine and chassis designs.

Suzuki's first mass market motocross bike, the TM400 Cyclone, was introduced in 1971 and was based on the TS that first sold in 1969.

With the only major redesign of the motors of this series, the new range shifted to a combined reed-valve and piston port type.

A factory race kit was available for the TS90 which consisted of an expansion chamber, light piston and rings, carburetor, and harder (colder range) plug and head which increased the size to 100 cc (6.1 cu in).

It consisted of an expansion chamber, new cylinder and head, piston, thin rings, larger carburetor, and much lower gearing.